Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:19:42 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (July 10); BP: Neh. 6:15-19; RBTTY: Acts 16:22-40; Job 41-42
July 10 “When God Is Glorified”
“And it came to pass, that when all of our enemies heard thereof, and all
the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in
their own eyes—for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.”
Nehemiah 6:16
When we let Him lead, we need not be surprised at the results.
Every now and then we may see a bumper sticker that says, “God is my
co-pilot.” While this sounds good, the fact remains that it’d be better to
say “God is my Pilot”—for, in reality, He doesn’t really need our help. In
fact, too often we want to keep our hand on the stick or steering wheels of
our lives; then, we wonder why we end up making a mess of things.
There’s no doubt Nehemiah was seeking to embody Matt. 6:33 in his life.
You don’t “sit down, weep, mourn, fast and pray to the God of Heaven for a
number of days” (1:3) if you’re more concerned about worldly things than you
are the Father’s Kingdom work. Nehemiah’s prayer of confession and
repentance (1:4-10) is quite sincere and straightforward. And, his petition
for God’s assistance and direction (1:11) reveals great dependence upon Him
with Whom we have to do.
Throughout the 52-day process of rebuilding Jerusalem’s city walls,
Nehemiah gave God the credit in everything. When opposed by Sanballat and
Tobiah, the Godly leader said “The God of Heaven—HE will prosper us”
(2:20a). Later on when the enemies of God and His people mocked and
ridiculed them (4:1-3), Nehemiah once again cried out, “Hear, O our God—for
we are despised” (4:4a). When the forces of darkness threatened to overrun
and devour them, Nehemiah exhorted his co-workers to “Be not afraid of them;
remember the Lord” (4:14a) and “Our God shall fight for us” (4:20b).
Nehemiah knew his “mission” was more than rebuilding broken-down walls
and re-hanging new gates; instead, he was helping further the Kingdom of God
by leading his countrymen to be the People of God. That’s why he refused to
negotiate with the enemy in the Plain of O-No: “I’m doing too great a work
to come down!” (6:3). He knew the Heavenly Father isn’t the author of fear
(II Tim. 1:7); that’s why he prayed “Now, therefore, O God, strengthen my
hands” (6:9).
O, dear Pilgrim, so often our problems arise because we’re not allowing
Jesus to be the “Captain of our salvation” (Heb. 2:10). We want the
benefits of salvation, but still long to sing “I Did It My Way.” God help
us all!
When we let Captain Jesus steer the ship, implicitly following His
“Navigational Chart” (His Word), we never venture into uncharted territory.
Although the seas may grow rough. . .the waves white-capping and the winds
howling. . .and the ship is battered and beaten. . .we shall sail on and
emerge from the storm into calm seas and blue skies. And, in the process
the enemy shall be “much cast down in their own eyes—for they realize it
was/is the Hand of God that has done this.” Hallelujah! May the Holy
Spirit help us today to be eternally grateful for this blessed assurance.
_________________________________________________________________
Local listings, incredible imagery, and driving directions - all in one
place! http://maps.live.com/?wip=69&FORM=MGAC01
No comments:
Post a Comment